UCSC Seeks public comment on proposed housing project

There’s still time for the public to have a say in the process that could bring more housing to UC Santa Cruz.

Thursday, officials turned to the community for their thoughts on a project that would house 3,000 students.

It was the second of two meetings the university hosted to get input from the public.

“Students, very eloquently talked about their situation and their need, not just for housing, but proper support so that they can pursue their educational goals,” said Traci Ferdolage, Associate Vice Chancellor of physical planning, development and operations.

UC Santa Cruz officials are hoping they can provide both with the Student Housing West project.

“We’ll be building three distinctly unique communities serving students with families as well as upper division undergraduates and graduate students,” Ferdolage said.

Besides the actual housing, the project would also include other facilities such as a child care center for students and employees.

The project does have support.

“Ultimately there’s no better, more efficient, more environmentally sustainable way to provide the housing for the incoming students,” said Robert Singleton, executive director of the Santa Cruz County Business Council and UCSC alumn.

But some are still skeptical, concerned about where and how the project will be built.

“I do not support the building on Hagar,” said one person at the meeting.

“This will be cheap high rise, dense housing,” said another.

“The university ensures that they explore those concerns fully as we work to develop our final EIR with our findings and recommendations that will go before the board of regents by July,” Ferdolage said.

You can still weigh in on the project through May 11th, if you’d like to do so click here.